Barcelona - Barcelona guide, attractions and pictures

The cosmopolitan City of Barcelona is blessed with spectacular mountain views and sunny Mediterranean beaches warmed with 2,500 hours of sunlight a year. The second largest city in Spain located in the autonomous Catalonia region; Barcelona is home to a thriving, international nightlife scene where the bars and clubs donĺt close their doors until 4:AM. Barcelona is a city of contrasts with the romantic, medieval structures of the past mixed with its ultra modern skyline and the surreal architecture of Antoni Gaudi.

With a major international airport and two railway stations, travel to Barcelona is easy and accessible. Many travelers to Paris will hop on the popular night train for a weekend excursion to this vibrant and fun city. With a sunny and temperate climate even during the winter months, Barcelonaĺs six beaches along the Costa Brava are popular, yearlong destinations for sun bathing, dining and nightlife. The Playa de la Barceloneta is the most popular beach area, usually teeming with tourists.

Colorful Neighborhoods and Architectural Landmarks

The neighborhoods of Las Ramblas, Barri Gotic, the Born district and La Ribera are popular destinations for walking tours and nightlife. The district of Las Ramblas located in the center of Barcelona is known for its colorful and diverse street vendors, live statue performers, tapas bars and even caged birds for sale.

Barcelona is rich in modern architectural landmarks created by Gaudi, considered a genius by many, including the popular Gothic style cathedral, Sagrada Familia to the surreal, organic buildings of the Casa Batllˇ, Casa MilÓ and the delightfully eccentric, city park, Parc GŘell. The old world, Gothic section of the city houses a plethora of Romanesque and Gothic cathedrals, castles and palaces that harkens back to a time of kings, queens and conquests.

The Cathedral La Seu with its lovely cloister of fountains and gardens, and the Plaša del Rei, a Roman walled square ôof the kingö dating from the 14th century housing two royal palaces, the Chapel of Santa Agata and the City History Museum are must see attractions for any visitor to Barcelona. King Ferdinand and Queen Isabel supposedly greeted Columbus in the Throne Room adjacent to the main Royal Palace, when he returned triumphant from his voyage to the New World.

World Class Museums and Mountain Views

A trip to Barcelona is not complete without a visit to its magnificent museums including, Fundacio Miro, showing works of Joan Miro, the Museu Picasso, housing over 3,000 works of Pablo Picasso and the Museu Nacional d┤Art de Catalunya, which has a stunning collection of preserved wall frescoes from gothic cathedrals.

For a magnificent view of the city, take the funicular railway to the top of the Montju´c Mountain and stroll the grounds of the fortress, the Castell de Montju´c, while there, visit the 1992 Olympic stadium. Another trip to the top of Tibidabo Mountain is worthwhile for the panoramic views and the popular old-fashioned amusement park. Whatever you decide to do while in this colorful and fun filled city of contrasts, rich in history and culture it will not disappoint.

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Arc de TriomfArc de Triomf: The Gateway to Barcelonaĺs 1888 Universal Expedition